Sapphire Opinion

[maisy1410]

Hi All,
I was wondering if those of you who are more knowledgeable than myself, could offer your opinion on the sapphire I am planning on buying from James Allen.
I am keen on a fairly light coloured stone (cornflower blue) but hope this isn’t too light. I probably can’t go too much over in terms of budget but would appreciate your opinion if you think this isn’t a good choice.
many thanks in advance!

2.51 carat Oval Natural Blue Sapphire

43048 - This 2.51 Oval Blue Sapphire is sold exclusively by James Allen

www.jamesallen.com

 

[whitewave]

It’s a pretty color. It looks very deep (sapphires face up small so look at the measurements), also seems to have a window and some inclusions.

However, it’s a good price for that size if that is the stone that makes your heart sing. It does not come with an origin report.

 

[maisy1410]

It’s a pretty color. It looks very deep (sapphires face up small so look at the measurements), also seems to have a window and some inclusions.

However, it’s a good price for that size if that is the stone that makes your heart sing. It does not come with an origin report.

Thanks so much for getting back to me! Would you say the depth of the stone will make it look quite small once it’s set in the ring? Should I aim for one with less depth and larger surface area in order to make it appear bigger?

 

[maisy1410]

2.15 carat Oval Natural Blue Sapphire

42770 - This 2.15 Oval Blue Sapphire is sold exclusively by James Allen

www.jamesallen.com

would this one look better in a halo ring setting even though it’s smaller in terms of carat size?

 

[Polyhex]

You have a beautiful eye for color; the color in these stones is likely to look beautiful in all lighting conditions and not "black out." The second stone will definitely look a lot larger (9.14 x 7.17 vs 8.08 x 6.73) but it still has a window. I think the window is not as bad as the first stone. I think James Allen has a great return policy, so that could enable you to look at it in person. You should definitely look at stones with windows in person before you set them / make them not returnable. If you have time, you could also keep looking for a stone without a window or with a very small ones. What is your timeline?

 

[LilAlex]

It’s a pretty color. It looks very deep (sapphires face up small so look at the measurements), also seems to have a window and some inclusions.

However, it’s a good price for that size if that is the stone that makes your heart sing. It does not come with an origin report.

Was going to say every word of this. I have nothing to add.

Oh -- I prefer too light over too dark any day. You can enjoy it almost all the time.

 

[LilAlex]

would this one look better in a halo ring setting even though it’s smaller in terms of carat size?

Oops -- not paying attention (not realizing there is another one). I like the hue of the second one a little better -- more toward the violet end. Not all would make that statement. I think at that price point, it would be a shame to not see them side by side. Both have a lot of faults but both are quite pretty and should make a nice ring.

 

[Bron357]

2.15 carat Oval Natural Blue Sapphire

42770 - This 2.15 Oval Blue Sapphire is sold exclusively by James Allen

www.jamesallen.com

would this one look better in a halo ring setting even though it’s smaller in terms of carat size?

It’s smaller in carats but it’s 1mm longer and 1mm wider than the other one. So it’s bigger to look at.
I prefer the colour of the second one, both have noticable colour zoning and inclusions but I like the violet hue in the second one.
James Allen has a good return policy so if it’s not as you expected you can return it for a refund.
James Allen is usually a bit more expensive than other vendors but in this case their prices look very reasonable.

 

[maisy1410]

Thanks to you all for your advice. It’s all super helpful!
I’m buying from Australia so want to make sure it arrives on time for Christmas etc. I think I’ll go with the second one as recommended by some of you. I’m also planning to get it set in in a ring from them too. The customer service at James Allen so far has been amazing.
Hopefully the window and inclusions aren’t too noticeable

 

[lmyracle]

My vote would be for the 2nd one. Did you buy it? I see it's unavailable now. If so, congrats from a fellow sapphire-halo gal!

 

[dk168]

My vote would be the second one too, it looks more pleasing to my untrained eyes.

DK

 

[whitewave]

Putting it in a halo might diminish the issues in the stone. I agree it’s worth a shot. I usually buy gemstones from a gemstone dealer, but you aren’t going to get a 2+ carat stone for 1k anywhere else. (Which speaks to the window, inclusions and lack of origin report, but those things aren’t important to everyone).

Please come back with handshots and real life pics when you receive it.

Oh, and James Allen shipping estimates tend to be inaccurate, so you may have to be patient. Also, they are likely going to run a 25% off sale soon for US thanksgiving, but that is when the shipping estimates get really wonky etc. They get overwhelmed etc.

 

[motownmama]

I voted for the 2nd also.

 

[LD]

Here are a few things for you to consider with the first option:

1. Large window - can you see the plain see-through area in the middle? This is called a window and you can see straight through the gem.
2. Colour zoning - can you see the stripes in the gem running from the centre to the left in a diagonal
3. There is a bow tie - not large but if you look at the top centre to bottom centre of the stone you'll see an area that looks black but is in the shape of a bowtie. This arises from the cut and can be distracting.
4. It's a large carat weight but a small face up size. To give you an example, your stone is approximately 8 x 6 and 2.51ct. I just bought a 1.45ct with dimensions of 7.78 x 5.56 - so you can see the difference in face up size is almost the same.
5. It's a reasonable price for that size and a heated sapphire.

The issues with numbers 1 to 3 is that these issues will draw your eye to these areas potentially rather than you seeing the whole gem (if that makes sense)?

The second option is a nicer gemstone overall:

1. A less obvious window. From the photo there is still colour retained in the centre so the window is less obvious.
2. Colour - a more even colour overall
3. A much better face up size

Good luck with your decision x

 

[maisy1410]

Hi
Thank you all so much for your opinions - I’m so glad I asked as I had no real knowledge of windows etc and would have probably ended up with the first stone ... funny they don’t give you all that info when you talk to JA customer service.

i have gone with the second stone and hope it looks ok once set and the inclusions aren’t too noticeable. I love the colour. There isn’t quite so much choice in Aus and JA seems to have excellent customer service for international buyers. I had a 25% off setting discount so was happy with the overall price.

I wish I’d have come across You all sooner to help me find an even prettier sapphire from lesser known vendors! I’ll come back and post a picture once it arrives.

Thanks again

 

[LilAlex]

Can you look at it in person before committing to mounting it? Take it on approval and then send it back? If not, then you're potentially out of luck. "You made us make this ring and now what are we going to do with it?"

 

[maisy1410]

Hi All,
My ring arrived today - I love it!! Thought I would share with you all. The colour is exactly What I was hoping for!

 

[Snow White]

Congratulation ! it's really beautiful. I loooove the color !

 

[lmyracle]

Beautiful! Congrats!

 

[voce]

Wow, the sapphire looks great on you! I'm glad you went with the second one. It's a lovely color, similar to a blueberry.

 

[Polyhex]

It's soooooo gorgeous!! The color is so beautiful and the window has closed once set. I am so happy for you!

 

[maisy1410]

Thank you all. I’m so happy with it!!

 

[Stone Hunter]

Hi All,
My ring arrived today - I love it!! Thought I would share with you all. The colour is exactly What I was hoping for!

STUNNING!!